Hearing aids: features, selection rules and purchase

Hearing aids are electronic devices that help people with hearing loss to better perceive sounds. They amplify sounds from the environment, making them more accessible to perception. They are complex miniature devices with many settings and functions. Meanwhile, buy hearing aids cheapdespite their complex “filling”, it is possible.

Let’s look at the main components of hearing aids, types, functions and modern technologies.

The main components of a hearing aid:

• microphone: picks up sounds from the environment and converts them into electrical signals.
• amplifier: amplifies the electrical signals received from the microphone.
• receiver (speaker): converts the amplified electrical signals back into sound waves and transmits them to the ear.
• Battery: Provides power to the device.
• processor: processes signals using various algorithms to improve sound quality and filter out noise.

Types of hearing aids:

Behind-The-Ear (BTE):

• are placed behind the ear, and the sound tube transmits the sound to the earmold, which is inserted into the ear canal.
• Suitable for people with varying degrees of hearing loss.
• durable and powerful.

In-The-Ear (ITE):

• are located entirely inside the auricle.
• more discreet than behind-the-ear ones.
• Suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

In-The-Canal (ITC) and Completely-In-Canal (CIC):

• are placed inside the ear canal and are practically invisible.
• Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
• less powerful and require more frequent battery replacement.

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC):

• Similar to behind-the-ear devices, but the speaker is placed inside the ear canal rather than behind the ear.
• provide better sound quality and are less prone to feedback.

Modern features and technologies

Digital Sound Processing:

• Hearing aids can process sounds in real time, eliminating noise and improving speech quality.
• allow you to customize the sound according to the user’s needs.

Wireless technologies:

• the ability to connect to smartphones, TVs and other devices via Bluetooth.
• applications for setting up and controlling hearing aids.

Noise reduction and microphone direction:

• reduce background noise and enhance sounds coming from a specific direction.
• help to hear speech better in noisy places.

Modes of adaptation to the environment:

• Automatic adjustment depending on the environment (quiet place, noisy street, conversation, etc.).

Charging and durability:

• Modern models often come with rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacement.

Compatibility with cochlear implants:

• In some cases, hearing aids can be used in combination with cochlear implants to improve hearing.

It should be noted that hearing aids have significantly improved the quality of life for people with hearing loss. Modern technologies and features make them more effective, convenient and adaptable to the individual needs of users. The choice of a specific type and model of hearing aid depends on the degree of hearing loss, lifestyle and preferences of the user.

How to choose hearing aids

Choosing hearing aids is a process that requires a careful approach and the participation of a specialist. Usually, the choice takes place in several stages and includes the following steps:

Consultation with an audiologist:

• Initial consultation: A meeting with an audiologist or sound specialist to discuss your symptoms and history of hearing loss.
• History taking: The audiologist collects information about the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and needs.

Audiometric examination:

• pure tone audiometry: measurement of hearing thresholds at different frequencies to determine the degree and type of hearing loss.
• Tympanometry: assessment of the condition of the middle ear and eardrum.
• Speech perception testing: determining the ability to discern and understand speech under different conditions.

Determining needs and preferences:

• lifestyle: professional and personal circumstances are taken into account (e.g. working in a noisy environment, active lifestyle).
• style preferences: appearance, size and invisibility of the device.
• technical requirements: the need for additional features such as wireless connection, noise reduction, etc.

Choosing a hearing aid type:

• Out-of-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC) or receiver-in-the-canal (RIC): The choice is based on the degree of hearing loss, user preference and the recommendation of a hearing care professional.

Testing and tuning:

• Initial testing: The audiologist conducts trial wearing of various models to assess comfort and effectiveness.
• customization: individual adjustment of the device to the patient’s needs using special software.

Adaptation period and training:

• adaptation period: the user gets used to the new device, which can take several weeks.
• training: the audiologist trains the user in the proper use and care of the device.

Regular maintenance and adjustments:

• Follow-up visits: Regular visits to the audiologist to check and adjust the settings of the device.
• Maintenance: cleaning and maintenance of the device, replacing batteries or recharging batteries.

Important factors when choosing a hearing aid:

• degree of hearing loss: Different models and types of hearing aids are suitable for different levels of hearing loss.
• convenience and comfort: The device should be comfortable for everyday wear.
• specifications: Features such as noise cancellation, directional microphones, connectivity with other devices, etc. are important.
• budget: The cost of hearing aids can vary greatly. It is important to consider not only the price of the device, but also the cost of maintenance and accessories.
• warranty and service: The availability of a warranty and service support play an important role.

Selecting a hearing aid is an individual process that requires careful evaluation of medical, technical, and personal factors. Working with a qualified audiologist or audiologist is key to successfully selecting and fitting the device, which will ultimately improve the patient’s quality of life.

Purchasing hearing aids

Sale of hearing aids is carried out through specialized stores and hearing centers that provide a full range of services for the selection, adjustment and maintenance of hearing aids. Such centers usually have licensed audiologists or audiologists who conduct diagnostics and help in choosing the right device. Here are some key points about specialized hearing aid stores:

Specialized hearing centers:

• professional audiologists: such centers employ specialists who conduct audiometric examinations, diagnostics, and selection of hearing aids.
• Wide range: These centers offer a variety of hearing aid models and brands to suit the needs of different customers.
• Individual adjustment: specialists of the centers adjust hearing aids to the specific needs of the client, ensuring maximum efficiency.

Medical equipment stores:

• Hearing aid department: Some medical supply stores carry hearing aids and accessories.
• consultation: such stores may also have specialists who can provide basic advice on choosing a device.

Online stores:

• Buying online: Some companies sell hearing aids online. However, buying online may be less preferable without prior consultation and individual fitting.
• Remote consultations: Some online stores offer remote consultations with audiologists to help you choose a device.

Pharmacies and opticians:

• Limited selection: Some pharmacies and opticians sell hearing aids, but the selection is usually limited and there is no opportunity to perform diagnostics and fitting.

Services provided by specialized hearing aid stores

Diagnostics and consultation:

• Conducting a complete audiometric examination to determine the degree and type of hearing loss.
• consultation on choosing the right hearing aid.

Selection and adjustment of hearing aids:

• individual adjustment of the hearing aid to the client’s needs.
• demonstration and testing of various models.

Training and adaptation:

• training the user in the correct use and care of the hearing aid.
• support during the adaptation period.

Maintenance and repair:

• regular maintenance of hearing aids.
• repair and replacement of parts if necessary.

Sale of accessories:

• batteries, chargers, cases, cleaning products and other accessories.

Warranty and service:

• Providing a warranty for hearing aids.
• providing service maintenance throughout the entire service life of the device.

Specialized stores and hearing centers offer a wide range of services aimed at selecting, adjusting and servicing hearing aids. Contacting such specialists ensures the correct choice of the device and its effective use, which significantly improves the quality of life of people with hearing loss.